Recruiters underline the need for new skills for new jobs

Recruiters underline the need for new skills for new jobs

The Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, has today launched a new report entitled 'Jobs of the Future'.

Commenting on the report, Tom Hadley, Director of External Relations of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said: "Recruitment agencies are on the front line of the labour market and even in today's climate recruiters are still seeing skills shortages. The report is right to identify expanding sectors such as 'green jobs', digital technologies and life sciences as areas of opportunity for people entering the jobs market. We need to ensure that today's young people, many of whom are choosing to stay in education and training, are being up-skilled for work in these sectors. Science and engineering backgrounds are essential for these sectors moving forward but unfortunately shortages of engineers still persist in areas such as utilities. A mammoth effort will be needed to ensure that we fill existing gaps as well as train for the future."

He continued "Whilst the focus is often on new business sectors we must not forget that shortages persist in traditional roles. Doctors, nurses, carers and social workers are all in short supply at the moment and we are pleased to see that initiatives, such as the national campaign to recruit people into a career in social work, are being put in place. The REC's specialist sector groups are in regular contact with their sector skills councils as well as the Migration Advisory Committee. The REC is committed to providing a channel of feedback to Government to ensure that skills and immigration strategies match the real needs of the jobs market."